McRae - we deserved a draw
SCOTLAND
They may not possess a single home-grown player - but when Shaun McRae's Scotland take to the field they will display the same passion as any kilted highlander!
The amiable McRae is fiercely proud of his Scottish roots and will have ensured all his foreign stars are fully committed to the Tartan cause.
However, the Scots morale suffered a massive pre-tournament blow when ex-Kangaroos Tim Brasher and Paul McGregor were ruled out through injury.
Brasher - who scored the winning try for Australia in the 1995 World Cup final - and McGregor would have added real class to the back division and their absence may have dealt a mortal blow to Scotland's chances of qualifying for the quarter finals.
However, McRae is not the type of coach to dwell on what might have been and he will no doubt impress on his charges they are still good enough to make a positive impact.
Led by Huddersfield Giants hooker Danny Russell and joined by Castleford's former Super League Man of Steel Adrian Vowles, the forwards should be more than capable of holding their own against their group four opponents.
And despite the loss of Brasher and McGregor in the backs, the likes of Lee Penny of Warrington and Leeds' Graham Mackay are capable of testing any defence.
As with Ireland, the Scots will be desperate to get off to a winning start when they take on the New Zealand Maoris at Glasgow's Firhill Stadium.
A win here and McRae's team will travel to Dublin in good heart for a possible group-deciding clash with their Celtic rivals.